Fin's Fish Guide
The White perch (Morone americana) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Moronidae that grows up to 49 cm.
Eastern North America, in estuaries, coastal lakes, rivers and lakes; tolerates fresh and brackish water and has landlocked freshwater populations.
Description
The white perch is a deep, laterally compressed bass of the family Moronidae reaching about 49 cm but usually much smaller. The silvery-green body has a stoutly spined front dorsal fin and a deeply forked tail. The species comes from eastern North America and lives in estuaries, coastal lakes, rivers and lakes; it tolerates both fresh and brackish water and has landlocked freshwater populations. In spring it migrates in schools to fresher water to spawn. As a hunter it eats small fish, fish eggs, insect larvae and small crustaceans. It is a popular, tasty panfish; outside its native range it has reached inland waters, where it is locally considered invasive.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the White perch?
The White perch has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep-bodied, silvery-green perch with a strongly spined first dorsal fin; lives in fresh and brackish water and forms shoals.
Where does the White perch live?
The White perch lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern North America, in estuaries, coastal lakes, rivers and lakes; tolerates fresh and brackish water and has landlocked freshwater populations.
How big does the White perch get?
The White perch grows to a maximum of about 49 cm. On average the species is around 14 cm.
Is the White perch dangerous to humans?
No, the White perch is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the White perch edible?
Yes, the White perch is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Morone
More from the family Moronidae
Want the complete picture on the White perch?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the White perch is one of 12,519 species in the app.